I’m particularly worried that an internal stitch may be pressing on my auricular nerve as I’ve heard some of you mention that this could happen. If my auricular nerve is somehow surrounded by a stitch, can my surgeon do an X-ray to see this? And if the internal stitches are dissolvable, how long does it take for them to dissolve? Thanks so much!
April 7, 2019
Answer: Cannot be seen on x ray. Internal sutures cannot be seen on x ray. Also, depending upon the dissolvable suture, some sutures can last for several months but will loosen with time. Theoretically, if the nerve sheath is intact, the nerve will recover but may take time. Strangulation of the nerve by a suture in surrounding tissue will interrupt nerve function by cutting off axonal flow. In these cases, the nerve sheath should remain intact and therefore nerve function is recoverable. A similar situation could be caused by heat from nearby cauterization Cases of non recovery can be due to actual nerve injury from dissection, but there is difficulty in determining this upon re exploration. For the most part, these situations cause numbness and not pain. If your primary concern is numbness, it is usually best to wait and follow with your doctor. If your symptom is prolonged pain, it may represent a different situation for which you will need to follow with your doctor.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
April 7, 2019
Answer: Cannot be seen on x ray. Internal sutures cannot be seen on x ray. Also, depending upon the dissolvable suture, some sutures can last for several months but will loosen with time. Theoretically, if the nerve sheath is intact, the nerve will recover but may take time. Strangulation of the nerve by a suture in surrounding tissue will interrupt nerve function by cutting off axonal flow. In these cases, the nerve sheath should remain intact and therefore nerve function is recoverable. A similar situation could be caused by heat from nearby cauterization Cases of non recovery can be due to actual nerve injury from dissection, but there is difficulty in determining this upon re exploration. For the most part, these situations cause numbness and not pain. If your primary concern is numbness, it is usually best to wait and follow with your doctor. If your symptom is prolonged pain, it may represent a different situation for which you will need to follow with your doctor.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
April 7, 2019
Answer: Facelift sutures Facelift results are much more dependent on the technique, as opposed to the type of sutures that are used. In my facelift practice, we use long acting, but absorbable sutures. In this fashion there are no foreign bodies left behind. As for your concerns regarding the nerve, even after the suture has dissolved it can still take a few months to see how well the nerve will regenerate. It is always best to discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
April 7, 2019
Answer: Facelift sutures Facelift results are much more dependent on the technique, as opposed to the type of sutures that are used. In my facelift practice, we use long acting, but absorbable sutures. In this fashion there are no foreign bodies left behind. As for your concerns regarding the nerve, even after the suture has dissolved it can still take a few months to see how well the nerve will regenerate. It is always best to discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
